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Since first reading it, there has only been one book series that I have consistently gone
back to read again and again. It has provided me with comfort when I needed it most and has
always kept me entertained. The original joy I felt when reading it has never diminished and it
leaves me feeling fulfilled every time. Whether it's listening to an audiobook while mowing the
grass or sitting down to read the book before going to bed, the Harry Potter series has always
delivered. After first reading the series in fourth grade, I have read each of the seven books at
least five times a piece. Occasionally I have gone back through and read the entire series in
order, but usually I like to pick one to re-read individually. Every time I reread a book, the
original magic that JK Rowling crafted into the pages is reawakened in me. It transports me back
to the time when I first read them. While any of seven books is a great read by itself, comparing
all the books in the series raises some frontrunners. Without further ado, here is my list of every
Harry Potter book ranked from favorite to least favorite:
1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (6)
○ While not usually people’s first choice, this book gives all you can ask for
in a story. It has funny, unserious moments between friends and very
serious and intense battles between good and evil. It shows the real
deepening of the character of Harry Potter and sets him up for the journey
required in the last book. Additionally, it complicates the character of
Severus Snape, who is one of the best written in the series.
2. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (4)
○ This book is an amazing story that expands the wizarding world to limits
we didn't know possible. It shows a change of voice from the first three
books as the tone gets more serious as Harry grows older. All in all, the
events in this book continue to entertain me today.
3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (7)
○ This is an amazing coming together of all the different stories throughout
the seven books. It almost perfectly weaves a story that satisfies all the
different elements and shows great complexity in the character of Harry
Potter as he seeks to hunt down Voldemort. There is not much bad I can
say about this book, as ranking the top three on this list comes down to
personal preference.
4. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (5)
○ This book gives us a look into Harry’s life during one of the most difficult
years of his life. No one wants to believe him that Voldemort has come
back and he is constantly being overwhelmed by everything in his life.
Order of the Phoenix gives us amazing characters like Dolores Umbridge
and great plots, but when it comes down to the story of the book, it does
not compare to some of the higher ranked ones.
5. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2)
○ This book gives us great characters and very funny moments, as well as
introduces elements that are used throughout the rest of the series. It seems
that JK Rowling is still searching for her tone in this book however, as the
whimsical voice does not quite match up with the rest of the series. The
adventure embarked on by the characters nevertheless is entertaining and
exciting.
6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1)
○ The book that kicks off everything. This book holds a special place in my
heart for being the first of the seven. It still has a great story and wonderful
elements, but JK Rowling seemed to still be searching for the tone that she
wanted to write in. That being said, it is still a great read that holds up
today.
7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (3)
○ While ranked last on my list, this book is still very entertaining and I have
circled back to read it many times. Despite that, it seems that JK Rowling
entered into uncharted territories by adding time travel into the Harry
Potter Universe. It is done well for the most part, but some of the plot
devices it creates are flimsy when compared to the rest of the series.
Jacob Crowley is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2027. He is studying history with minors in political science and Spanish.